Happy Canada Day!
Earth Day might feel like a long time ago now that summer is here, but the spirit of Earth Day is still here. And that’s more than just wishful thinking...
Earth Day remains significant because it’s a springboard for action every day of the year. It’s a day to renew your commitment to making choices that always take into consideration the impact you have on the environment.
You can keep the momentum going by inviting people to join you in taking ‘eco-action’. It’s more fun when you’re doing it as a team, so start or grow your team today: http://calculator.ecoactionteams.ca
BACK TO DAYDREAMING ABOUT HAPPY SUMMER DAYS... It’s easy to have a fun-filled summer while reducing your impact on the environment (and your pocket book). Read on to learn how to keep things green in the heat...
Green Scene: Cool your jets!
Out comes the sun and on come the air conditioners. Before you turn to your air conditioner to stay cool and drive your electricity bill up, why not explore other ways of keeping cool and saving money.
Here are some more tips to keep in mind:
- Turn on your air conditioner only when you are truly uncomfortable
- Use ceiling fans to supplement, or even in place of, air conditioning
- Keep doors and windows closed when the air conditioner is on
- Close blinds, shades and drapes during the hottest part of the day
- To save more on central AC costs, try cooling your home to only 24°C or 25°C instead of the low 20s. Each degree you go below 26°C noticeably increases your electricity use.
- Turn off unnecessary lights in the house—they produce a lot of heat, making your air conditioner work harder.
Also running the A/C all day in an empty house while you’re at work is very wasteful. Your air conditioner has to work its hardest in the middle of the day when it’s hottest outside. That’s a lot of wasted energy when nobody’s home.
Greening Your Grill!
Nothing is more indicative of summertime than the smell of sizzling barbeque and the taste of hot-off-the-grill-food. But how can we enjoy this favorite summer past-time while reducing our impact on the environment?
To begin, barbecues fueled by natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas are far better than those fueled with charcoal briquettes immersed in petroleum solvents. The benefit of gas over charcoal is that there is less smoke and therefore less air pollution. However, if you already have a charcoal BBQ, try to purchase charcoal that is natural and locally sourced.
When deciding what to grill, try to choose local meats, preferably organic, sustainably caught fish and locally grown vegetables. After an initial warm up period of around three to four minutes, turn your barbecue down and if it has a lid, keep it closed during cooking to preserve heat. Once the food is ready, use reusable or compostable dishware. Last, send the leftovers home with your guests in reusable containers!
EcoAction Teams 2009 Storytelling Contest Winners
The EcoAction Teams 2009 Storytelling Contest was a huge success with entries received from all over Canada. Thank you to everyone who submitted their excellent and informative stories. You are truly inspiring!
In total, 11 winners received digital cameras and camcorders courtesy of Panasonic Canada. Here are three of our winning participants:
1. Category: Overall Individual Household—Suzanne Friemann, Windsor, ON
http://www.ecoactionteams.ca/pub/contest/winners_suzanne.php
Suzanne is very passionate about sustainable living. She grows almost all her own food, has three composters, including a vermicomposting system, and five rain barrels. Plus she has found a way to get by without a fridge!
2. Category: Team (Ontario)—Fairlawn Green Action at Fairlawn Avenue United Church, Toronto, ON
Through their workshops, seminars and website, this team teaches the community about ways they can take action to lessen their impact on the environment!
3. Category: Team (West and North)—VIA Rail Green Team, Vancouver, BC
Having worked in the railway industry for 34 years, and surrounded with a decidedly un-green environment of locomotive engines and machinery, Mike Di Giovanni helped establish green programs throughout the company. Just like a train, the wheels of environmental awareness are now turning in the company and the momentum will be hard to stop!
For a complete list of all our winners and to read their exciting stories, please visit
http://www.ecoactionteams.ca/pub/contest/winners.php.
New Environmental Funding Available for Ontario
The Earth Day Canada Community Environment Fund provides Ontario charities, not-for-profit organizations, volunteer groups and schools with the opportunity to create environmental action in their communities. The Fund provides up to $20 000 in financial support for local environmental initiatives.
To be eligible for a grant, applicants must clearly demonstrate the benefits their project will have on the environment and local community, and be open to the public.
Granting Period I
Application Deadline: August 31, 2009
Announcement of Approved Grants: October 14, 2009
Granting Period II
Application Deadline: February 28, 2010
Announcement of Approved Grants: April 22, 2010
For more information visit www.earthday.ca/envirofund
